Positioning Ladders for Cutting Trees

Having someone hold the ladder is a good rule to follow.

Trees sometimes need to be cut or trimmed for various reasons, including standard pruning, branch damage, thinning, to control size or because of disease. When cutting high branches you need a ladder to reach, take additional safety precautions to prevent serious injury. Ladder positioning is only one precautionary measure.

Feet Position

The position of the ladder's feet is among the most important when placing the ladder against the tree. The feet need to be secure and resistant to slipping. Many modern steel ladders have skid-proof feet, as do some wooden ladders, but soft, uneven ground can prevent them from working correctly. Each foot needs to be flat against the ground and even with the others.

Top Position

In many instances, the crotch of a tree branch is the safest area to place the ladder if you can't place it directly against the thick, strong trunk of the tree. The ladder should never be leaning to the left or right, which you prevent when you make sure the feet are firmly against the ground and level. When cutting thick, strong branches, place the top of the ladder as far from where you'll make the cut toward the tree trunk as possible without having to lean your body away from the ladder. Your arm should extend without problem to the cut point.

Angles and Other Safety

When using a straight ladder or extension ladder, angle is equally important because it affects stability. Place the feet of the ladder one-fourth of the ladder's length from the tree trunk. Allow at least 3 feet of the ladder to be above the cut you'll be making for a more stable ladder. When using nearly any type of ladder, always follow the three-point contact rule: Have either two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, on the ladder at all times.

Types of Ladders

Stepladders and straight or extension ladders are the most common, although orchards tend to us tripod ladders and closed-top ladders. Tripod ladders, as the name suggests, have three legs and provide the most stable support on soft or uneven ground. Closed-top ladders are similar, but the two side rails meet at the top and form a point. If you do frequent pruning or have several mature fruit trees to harvest, these ladders may provide additional stability.